Vasse Lions Bring a Touch of Magic to Busselton Seniors Living with Dementia

Seniors journeying with memory loss at Baptistcare William Carey Court Residential Care in Busselton received a very special gift from the Lions Club of Vasse.

It’s called a Tovertafel (TOVA-TAFF-AL) or magic table and it allows people with cognitive challenges to play games and interact with everything from colourful flowers and butterflies to bubbles and falling leaves.

As the name suggests, the colourful light animations combined with body sensor technology creates a truly magical experience for people with dementia, but the cutting-edge equipment from the Netherlands comes with a $15,000 price tag.

The Vasse Lions first heard about the incredible therapy games console from their colleagues at the Margaret River Lions Club who fundraised for a Tovertafel for their local Baptistcare Mirrambeena Residential Care facility.

Busselton local and Lions Club of Vasse President, Trish Robinson, went along to Mirrambeena to see residents interacting with the animated patterns and objects, and was immediately struck by the joy and connection it brought to those participating.

“As soon as I saw the residents using the Tovertafel I was bought to tears,” said Trish.

“My mother-in-law lived with dementia and I can only imagine how powerful the Tovertafel could have been as a therapy tool for her.”

Fundraising started in earnest 12 months ago and over the year, Vasse Lions held raffles, movie nights and car park sales.

“We are grateful to the Australian Lions Foundation who contributed half of our $15,000 fundraising goal,” said Trish.

Baptistcare Community Engagement Consultant, Les Longfield said she was in awe of the community effort that has gone into donating the Tovertafel to William Carey Court.

“The Vasse Lions are always getting behind worthy projects that benefit people in the South West, and we are honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of their generosity,” said Les.

“The Tovertafel will deliver enormous benefits for our residents with dementia and will play a key role in keeping them active and connected.”

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